Jobless insurance claims in Ga. down

ATLANTA - The number of first-time unemployment claims filed in Georgia during July was down 9.6 percent compared to July a year ago, according to state Labor Commissioner Mark Butler.

But in two of the counties in the immediate Gainesville area - Banks and Hall - the numbers were up, 5.9 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively.

Many counties in the area reported double-digit dips in first-time claims... including Barrow, Forsyth and Habersham.